Performed as a preliminary ritual for the actual Theyyam performance, Thottam is invocative in nature. It is believed that by performing this ritual, the performer gets possessed by the divine spirits. Thottam Pattu, the ritualistic songs which accompany the performance elaborate the legends related to the deities. Percussions like Chenda and Thudi accompany the songs.

Vishnumoorthy is a popular Theyyam figure performed in the temples of the northern parts of Kerala. This Thottam ritual is performed at Adikkumpara Puthiya Bhagavathy temple, Kannur.